The Indianapolis Colts are facing a crossroads, one that’s equal parts familiar and daunting as the NFL’s offseason looms. The clocks inside their training facility tick in unison, counting down to what promises to be a pivotal stretch for a franchise still reeling from a season that began with so much promise and ended in disappointment. With the passing of longtime owner Jim Irsay in May 2025, the torch has been passed to Carlie Irsay-Gordon, who now stands at the helm, tasked with guiding the Colts through a period of uncertainty and potential transformation.
It’s hard to believe just how quickly fortunes changed for this team. After racing out to an 8-2 record, the Colts seemed poised to break their postseason drought and perhaps even contend for a division title. The city buzzed with hope, and the locker room brimmed with confidence. But then, in a cruel twist, starting quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles tear, sending shockwaves through the organization. The injury bug didn’t stop there; backup Anthony Richardson was sidelined by an orbital fracture, leaving the Colts to turn to 44-year-old Philip Rivers. While Rivers brought experience and leadership, his physical limitations at this stage of his career were evident, and the offense struggled to regain its early-season rhythm.
The result? A six-game losing streak that not only dashed playoff hopes but also marked the sixth consecutive season without a postseason appearance. As late December turned to January, the Colts found themselves eliminated from contention, their 2025 campaign unraveling despite the best efforts of head coach Shane Steichen and a roster that, for a fleeting moment, looked like a contender.
Now, with the season in the rearview mirror, the focus shifts to what’s next. Carlie Irsay-Gordon, who has long been involved in various aspects of the franchise—from ticket sales and marketing to football operations—must make critical decisions that could shape the Colts’ trajectory for years to come. Chief among them is the fate of general manager Chris Ballard, whose tenure since 2017 has been marked by just one playoff win and zero division titles. According to ESPN insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano, Ballard’s job appears safe for now, but nothing is guaranteed under new ownership. “I was in Indianapolis on Sunday, and no one there seems to know for sure where things are headed following the Colts’ late-season collapse,” Graziano reported. “GM Chris Ballard has a good relationship with owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon, from what I am told, and while the Anthony Richardson Sr. pick seems to have been a miss, the Daniel Jones signing was a hit until he got hurt. I think Ballard sticks around, but people are asking about him a lot these days.”
Fowler added, “Ballard remains a moving target because he drafts well and builds good rosters -- but no division titles in nine years is a tough sell. I’ve talked to a few people in the league who wonder whether Ballard would be the first to go over coach Shane Steichen if Irsay-Gordon makes changes at all. But the Colts had a good thing going for 10 games before the injuries, so that factors in, too. Most people I’ve talked to are leaning toward Ballard’s job being safe.”
The debate rages on among fans and analysts alike. Some argue that Ballard’s inability to adequately prepare for injuries—most notably, failing to secure a reliable backup quarterback after Jones’ injury—warrants a change in leadership. As one columnist from The Blue Stable put it, “I believe the sisters will relieve Ballard of his duties but will keep Shane Steichen as head coach. The tricky part is that there is no 100 percent correct answer this time around.” Others point to Ballard’s eye for talent and his strong relationship with Irsay-Gordon as reasons for patience, especially given the team’s early-season success before injuries derailed their campaign.
Meanwhile, head coach Shane Steichen finds himself in a slightly more secure position. Steichen, who replaced defensive coordinator Gus Bradley with Lou Anarumo in 2025, is credited with maintaining competitiveness despite a decimated roster. The defense, though not without its flaws, showed increased consistency under Anarumo’s guidance, even as injuries thinned the linebacker corps and secondary. On offense, Steichen’s play-calling and ability to maximize Daniel Jones’ strengths were evident before the quarterback’s injury. The duo developed a strong rapport, and their early-season chemistry sparked genuine excitement among fans.
Still, Steichen’s record against division rivals Houston and Jacksonville—now standing at 2-9 after a recent loss—has drawn criticism. His struggles to develop Anthony Richardson, coupled with some questionable roster decisions, have fueled debate about his long-term fit. Yet, as The Blue Stable argues, “For Steichen to keep this team mostly competitive with an injured roster shows his prowess as a head coach. Look, he is far from perfect, but he is an elite play caller and offensive mind. He showed what this offense is capable of early in the season.”
As for Daniel Jones, the quarterback’s future is another pressing question. Set to become a free agent in 2026 and still rehabbing from his Achilles tear, Jones is widely considered the Colts’ best option at the position heading into next season—especially given the lack of a 2026 first-round draft pick and limited alternatives on the market. Many within the organization and fanbase hope to see both Jones and Steichen return, believing their partnership offers the best chance for a turnaround.
All the while, Carlie Irsay-Gordon’s leadership style is coming into sharper focus. Having grown up in a family that valued individualism and curiosity, she brings a unique blend of empathy and authority to her role. Her commitment to player and staff well-being is evident in her regular check-ins, improvements to facilities, and investments in nutrition and mental health resources. As she navigates the emotional landscape left by her father’s passing, Irsay-Gordon remains determined to honor his legacy while forging her own path. The words she left on the conference room whiteboard—“The things which hurt, instruct”—ring especially true as the Colts reflect on a season of highs and lows.
The coming weeks will be crucial. With Black Monday just around the corner and the franchise at a crossroads, every decision will be scrutinized. Will Ballard be given another chance to build a contender, or is it time for a new voice in the front office? Can Steichen and Jones recapture the magic that electrified fans in the season’s early months? One thing is certain: the clocks inside the Colts’ facility will keep ticking, marking the moments that could define the next era of Indianapolis football.
As the offseason begins in earnest, the Colts are bracing for change—whether subtle or sweeping. The lessons of this challenging year, coupled with the enduring memory of Jim Irsay’s legacy, will guide Carlie Irsay-Gordon as she leads Indianapolis into an uncertain, but undeniably compelling, future.